LatinNews Daily - 14 March 2022 |
BRAZIL: Record deforestation levels in February |
On 11 March, Brazil’s Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (Inpe), a government body, released preliminary figures showing that Amazon deforestation soared to a new record in February. Analysis: The February figures follow on from record deforestation levels in January also. Deforestation levels are usually low at this time of year, and while the latest monthly figures remain a far cry from the rates of deforestation observed in the months of July and August, at the peak of the Amazon fire season, the fact that they are rising sets alarm bells ringing. Deforestation has already soared under President Jair Bolsonaro, and recent years have seen a pattern of deforestation increasing in election years. Bolsonaro is expected to seek re-election in October.
Looking Ahead: Bolsonaro notably continues to push for the approval of PL 191, a bill which would open up indigenous territories to commercial mining and is ready to be voted upon in the chamber of deputies, arguing that it would help Brazil resolve its current dependency on fertiliser imports. The bill could be tabled for a vote in April. |